NEWS
the latest updates
SPECIAL MASTERCLASS WITH MATSUNAGA JUICHI
On the morning of March 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, AKIHO Europe HQ / Casa Saporito Kennel will host a special Akita Inu Masterclass by none other than Matsunaga Juichi. We hope to see you there.
AKIHO EUROPE FEATURED IN SAKIGAKE SHIMPOU
Akita Sakigake Shimpou, a daily newspaper from Akita Prefecture, recently visited the kennel of AKIHO Europe President Antonino Saporito to report on AKIHO Europe’s activities and the increasing interest in the Akita Inu in Italy.
The article notes the breed’s increasing visibility, citing around 12,000 Akita Inu births in Italy over the past decade, and describes AKIHO Europe’s role as a bridge between Akita and Europe. It also highlights Tony’s long-standing work with the breed and his focus on care, management, and breeding, while reflecting on the Akita Inu’s cultural significance in Europe and AKIHO Europe’s contribution—within the wider AKIHO framework—to preserving and promoting knowledge of the breed and its Japanese heritage.
Read the full article (Japanese / subscription required) here.
ANNOUNCEMENT 2ND SHINBOKUTEN
AKIHO Europe is proud to announce the 2nd Shinbokuten, set to take place on 11-12 April 2026 in Torino, Italy. For more information, please visit the announcement page.
🎖️ NEW EIYOSHOU WINNER
Last weekend, a new milestone in overseas history was achieved at the 第2回クラブ展 of AKIHO Central Europe. Following Tora Ishii, and Kurozane, Wakahiryuu was awarded AKIHO Eiyoshou — an honorary distinction recognizing exceptional quality.
Warmest congratulations to breeder and owner, Zuzanna Chade.
ABOUT EIYOSHOU
Eiyoshou is the highest honorary distinction attainable at overseas exhibitions, surpassing even Tokuyuu. It is important to note, however, that Eiyoshou and Meiyoshou are distinct honors. Meiyoshou is awarded exclusively at Honbuten (headquarters exhibition) in Japan and remains the ultimate accolade within AKIHO tradition.
While both terms share the meaning of “honor” (with different kanji: 栄 for Eiyoshou and 名誉 for Meiyoshou), Meiyoshou awarded at the Honbuten is the highest possible recognition in AKIHO tradition.
"ANCHE HACHIKOU VIENE DA AKITA"
SPECIAL SCREENING IN ROME
On Thursday, 2 October, the Istituto Giapponese di Cultura in Rome hosted a special event: the screening of the original Japanese version of Hachikou Monogatari (dir. KOUYAMA Seijirou / 1987 / 107’), presented with Italian subtitles.
Organized in collaboration with Cineteca Milano and AKIHO Europe, the event welcomed a special guest…
Read the full event coverage here →
STATEMENT FROM AKIHO EUROPE ON FEEDBACK REGARDING THE 11TH EHC
In response to feedback recently shared publicly regarding the European Hozonkai Championship, AKIHO Europe has issued an open letter to all members, exhibitors, and Akita Inu enthusiasts. It addresses the points raised with transparency, respect, and commitment to constructive dialogue, while outlining ongoing efforts to improve the exhibition format and remaining true to the spirit and standards of Akita Inu Hozonkai.
We invite you to read please the full letter below for clarity on our stance, context around certain decisions, and the way forward as we continue working together to honor and protect the Akita Inu breed.
👉 [Download the full letter as PDF]
THANK YOU & RESULTS
Last Sunday the 11th European Hozonkai Championship took place in beautiful Torino, Italy. AKIHO Europe would like to thank everybody for their participation and making it such an enjoyable event. For a full list of results, please visit www.akitainu-hozonkai.eu/results-11th-ehc.
Needless to say, a special word of gratitude goes out to AKIHO judges Tsutsui Nobuji and Ootsu Kentarou for their skilled judgement and having shared their expertise at this year’s Benkyoukai (seminar).
In the coming week pictures and videos will be shared on our FB and Instagram page, so be sure to keep your eyes on our socials.
Congratulations to all winners and we look forward seeing you at the next European Hozonkai Championship!
FROM OLD TO NEW
In preparation for the AKIHO Benkyoukai (study seminar)—which is part of the 11th European Hozonkai Championship—we wanted to share these old AKIHO images as a little warm-up.
We are looking forward seeing you all there.
11th European Hozonkai Championship - Japan Returns To Europe! 🇪🇺❤️🇯🇵🐕
EHC IN AKIHO BULLETIN
We are pleased to see European Hozonkai Championship coverage in AKIHO’s latest “Akita Inu” bulletin. Just in time for the upcoming edition, taking place on March 30 in Torino, Italy. Hope to see you there.
